Glasgow venues leading the way for autism awareness

Many organisations across the UK have been working towards obtaining the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award, and Glasgow has just received 53 awards.

AWARD WINNING

The Scottish city has seen multiple community facilities, from museums to restaurants, awarded with the Autism Friendly Award. To receive the accolade companies must ensure that autistic visitors and their families can access and enjoy their venues: this could mean by reducing light glare, turning down music so it is not as loud, and even staff being aware of autism.

“We know that 44% of autistic people and families in Scotland sometimes don’t go out because they’re worried about how people will react to their autism,” explains Fiona McGrevey, area volunteering development manager at the National Autistic Society Scotland.

“We also know that small adjustments can make a big difference, meaning that autistic people can access and enjoy places that many of us take for granted. The Autism Friendly Award encourages organisations to learn about autism and make the small adjustments that mean they are more welcoming for autistic people and their families.”

THE AUTISM FRIENDLY CITY

In 2017 Glasgow City Council pledged that Glasgow would become the first autism friendly city centre in the UK – it looks like they’re off to a good start.

From staff learning about autism, finding out any adjustments that could be made to support customers, to carrying out consolations with autistic customers to discover what they enjoyed our found challenging, Glasgow based businesses are taking the right step to ensuring access for all is readily available.